Hello, I was wondering how rare a postwar 38/44 heavy duty is in a 6.5 inch barrel. What would be a price range on one that’s 85%-90% condition. Thanks in advance!
postwar 38/44
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DWalt
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Have you checked to see if it has been rechambered to accept .357 Magnum? What is its SN? Any pictures?
I don't think they are very rare but maybe scarce.
Saw a few for auction or sale in the last year.
Seems $1800 was the minimum bid on two of them.
They were in nice shape with turn lines and light muzzle wear.
Saw a few for auction or sale in the last year.
Seems $1800 was the minimum bid on two of them.
They were in nice shape with turn lines and light muzzle wear.
OP
I don’t know if it’s been modified for .357 or if it’s still available. I’ll find out soon.
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First of all, I consider it to be a desirable gun to buy and own at the right price. My impression of the HD 38/44 is they are widely collected and loved. The Blue Book doesn't show an added value for 6.5" over the other lengths. I just bought a 90% condition HD transitional 5" made in 1948 for $1100. I felt that was a good purchase but not a steal.
If I were you, assuming the BB is right, I would shoot for something around $1000 to $1200. Anything less would be a very good deal.
I think you can call that one rare; the 5th edition of the Standard Catalog does. I've never seen one for sale. I have a pre-war 6.5 and the estimated number of those is less than 100. The condition estimate of 85-90% suggests quite a bit of blue wear. But let's say the condition is "very good" which I'd guess puts it in the $1500+ range if it hasn't been reamed and has the original magnas. Maybe quite a bit more if the condition is actually better, the box is with it, and it is offered to folks who know what it is. The pictures, which aren't that great, suggest to me anyway, that the condition is better than 85-90% and the magnas are likely original. Check the inside right panel to see if it is numbered to the gun. From what I can see, if it was tagged at less than $1500 it would go home with me.
Jeff
SWCA #1457
Jeff
SWCA #1457
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OP
I posted a couple pictures above.
Jeff
I would agree with your price thoughts. The ones I saw were certainly better than 85-90 percent and looked like the OP pictures.At $1800 they were sitting for months on GI. The ones on GB were bringing about that if sold by a well respected seller. I have been seeing these for sale so I may have varying definition of rare.Now the prewar version I feel is certainly rare and have only seen two for sale ever. I do have one myself. But have been looking for another for quite a while.
